When To Harvest Lavender

Knowing when to harvest lavender is the single most important factor for capturing its perfect scent and flavor. Get the timing right, and you’ll have buds packed with aromatic oils for sachets, cooking, or crafts.

This guide walks you through the simple signs to look for, so you can pick your lavender at its peak.

The perfect moment to harvest lavender is just as the flower buds begin to open. You don’t want to wait until every single flower on the spike is fully open. At that point, the essential oils, which give lavender its famous fragrance, have already started to diminish.

Think of it like picking basil just before it flowers. That’s when the plant’s energy is most concentrated in the buds. For lavender, this happens in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.

Why Timing is Everything

Harvesting at the correct time ensures the highest quality for whatever you plan to do. If you pick to early, the buds won’t have developed enough oil. If you pick to late, the flowers can shatter and lose their scent quickly.

Good timing means your dried lavender will retain its color and fragrance for months, even years.

The Visual Cues: What to Look For

Your eyes are the best tool. Don’t rely on the calendar alone, as climate varies. Look for these signs on your lavender stems:

The bottom third of the flower bud spike has opened its tiny flowers.
The middle third is just beginning to crack open.
The top third remains as closed buds.
The color is vibrant, not faded or brown.

If you see bees actively visiting the flowers, that’s a great natural indicator that the oils are strong.

Color Variations by Variety

Different lavender types show color a bit differently. English lavender (Angustifolia) often turns a deep violet-blue. French lavender (Stoechas) has those distinctive purple “rabbit ear” petals. Observe your plants in the seasons leading up to harvest so you know their personal peak color.

The Touch and Smell Test

Your other senses help too. Gently roll a flower bud spike between your fingers.

It should feel firm, not limp or soggy.
Your fingers should come away slightly oily and fragrant.
The scent should be strong, clean, and floral—not green or grassy.

If it smells weak, it’s probably past its prime. This test is especially useful for varieties where the color change is more subtle.

Seasonal Harvest Windows

Most lavender blooms once in mid to late summer. But some climates and varieties allow for a second, smaller harvest.

Primary Harvest: For most regions, this is late June through August. Watch your plants, not the date.
Potential Second Harvest: Some English lavenders, if cut back promptly after the first harvest, may produce a smaller second flush in early fall.
Climate Note: In very hot climates, lavender may bloom earlier. In cooler, coastal areas, it might be later.

Best Time of Day to Pick

Always harvest your lavender on a dry day. Moisture is the enemy of good drying.

Wait until the morning dew has completely evaporated.
Aim for late morning, once the plant is dry but before the midday sun bakes the oils away.
Avoid harvesting in the evening when dew may be starting to form again.

This simple rule prevents mold and ensures the highest oil content in your cuttings.

How to Harvest Lavender Properly

Using the right technique protects your plant and ensures a long life. You’ll need a sharp pair of bypass pruners or harvesting snips.

Gather a bunch of stems in one hand.
With your other hand, make a clean cut on the stem.
Cut low down the stem, but always leave some green foliage. Never cut into the old, woody part of the plant.
Aim to remove about one-third to one-half of the current year’s growth.

This method shapes the plant and encourages bushy growth for next year. Try to avoid tearing or crushing the stems as you cut.

Immediate Post-Harvest Steps

What you do right after picking is crucial. Have your supplies ready before you head into the garden.

Shake each stem gently to dislodge any insects or debris.
If you see any damaged or discolored buds, remove them now.
Sort stems by length and variety if you have different kinds. It makes bundling easier.
Get them out of direct sunlight and into your drying area promptly.

Drying Your Harvest for Long-Term Use

Proper drying locks in that fresh-picked quality. The key is good air circulation, darkness, and warmth—not heat.

Bundle 50-100 stems together, securing them loosely with a rubber band (it tightens as stems shrink).
Hang the bundles upside down in a dark, dry, warm room with good airflow. An attic, spare closet, or garage often works well.
Leave them hanging for 2-4 weeks. The bundles are ready when the stems snap easily and the flowers feel crisp.

Never dry lavender in direct sunlight, as it will fade the color and weaken the scent. A dehydrator on its lowest setting (95°F / 35°C) can be used for small batches, but air drying is traditional and effective.

Storing Dried Lavender

Once completely dry, you can store lavender whole in the bundles or strip the buds. To strip buds, hold a bundle over a large bowl and run your hand down the stem.

Store buds or whole stems in airtight glass jars or containers.
Keep them in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat and light.
Properly stored, dried lavender can retain its fragrance for several seasons.

Common Harvesting Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors. Here’s what to watch out for:

Harvesting too late: This is the most common mistake. Once flowers are fully open, they lose potency quickly.
Cutting into old wood: This can harm the plant and prevent regrowth.
Harvesting when wet: This almost guarantees moldy, ruined bundles.
Packing bundles too tightly: Tight bundles prevent air flow and can cause the center stems to rot.
Using dull tools: This crushes the stem, making it harder for the plant to heal.

Using Your Harvested Lavender

Your perfectly timed harvest opens up many possibilities. The strong oils mean your projects will be more successful.

Culinary uses: Use dried buds in baking, herbes de Provence, or to make lavender sugar. Ensure you use a culinary variety like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote’.
Crafts: Create fragrant sachets for drawers, dream pillows, or potpourri.
Home: Make simple lavender wands or use bundles as natural air fresheners.
Gifts: Beautifully packaged dried lavender makes a thoughtful, homemade present.

FAQ: Your Lavender Harvest Questions

Can I harvest lavender after it has bloomed?

You can, but the quality for fragrance and flavor will be lower. The buds are best just as they begin to open. If you missed the window, you can still harvest for crafts, but the scent won’t last as long.

How often can you harvest lavender?

Most standard lavender plants provide one major harvest per year. With careful pruning after that harvest, you might get a smaller secondary bloom in fall that you can also pick.

What is the best lavender for harvesting?

English lavender varieties (Lavandula angustifolia) are generally considered the best for fragrance, oil content, and drying. Popular cultivars include ‘Munstead’, ‘Hidcote’, and ‘Royal Velvet’.

Can you harvest lavender in the first year?

It’s best to resist harvesting in the plant’s first year. Let it focus its energy on establishing a strong root system. You can give it a very light trim to shape it, but wait until the second year for a full harvest.

What if it rains during harvest time?

Patience is key. Wait for a stretch of two to three dry, sunny days after rain before you harvest. This allows the plant to produce more oils and for the foliage to dry out completely, ensuring a better product.

By following these guidelines for when to harvest lavender, you’ll maximize the reward from your plants. Paying close attention to the buds, the weather, and your technique results in a superior harvest that you can enjoy long after the summer blooms have faded. With a little practice, recognizing the perfect moment becomes second nature.